Jimmy Rollins’ Night in Paris

Last night, the Jimmy Rollins Family Foundation‘s “Night In Paris,” which benefited Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania, was held at the National Constitution Center. Jimmy Rollins and his wife, Johari, (looking gorgeous in a Theia dress) spoke of the importance of raising awareness that child abuse will not be tolerated. It’s a taboo subject, and with education for parents and children, we can combat these actions that hurt families, Johari said.

Last year, the Jimmy Rollins Foundation hosted “Havana Nights.” This year, the theme of exciting nights in one of the romantic cities in the world continued. Dan Hoch and Stacey James, of Feastivities’ OffShoots, did a magnificent job capturing the excitement of a Parisian night. As guests entered the event space, they strolled along the famed cafes of the City of Lights, passing beautiful fountains, park benches, and statues. There were long, family-style community tables where guests could sit and talk. Below: Guests Brittany and Michael Phinney, of Petals Lane Blossoms, walk onto the Avenue des Champs-Élysées complete with a gorgeous ice sculpture of the Arc de Triomphe. Guests also danced to the tunes of CTO Park Central.

Below: David Montgomery, president and CEO of the Phillies, Jami Schnell, Michael Stiles, senior vice president, administration and operations, Phillies, and Ruben Amaro Jr., Phillies GM.

Below: Legendary WDAS DJ Mimi Brown and Philly’s first lady of soul, Patty Jackson. The ladies tell me they were having a great time, and the crepes by Brûlée Catering were magnificent. Speaking of food, the gals were excited for Thanksgiving, which is coming up next week already. Mimi Brown is whipping up her family’s favorite okra, corn and tomatoes dish, with crispy friend turkey bacon. Patty Jackson is making her fabulous peach cobbler. It’s Jimmy Rollins’s favorite, too; whenever they visit, it’s the first thing he asks for, she says.

Below: Ryan Howard and Krystle Campbell tie the knot on December 1st. They tell me everything is in place, and they’re just excited for the date to arrive. Congratulations!! I noticed there are still a few things left on their bridal registry, if you’d like to celebrate their union too.

Below: Delicious treats by Le Bec Fin’s Abigal Dahan, sous chef, and Jennifer Smith, pastry chef. There’s even an Eiffel Tower made of macarons.

What a beautiful Indian summer night, the last I suspect. The patio was open for mingling, espresso and cigar-smoking. Below: Ken Welk (left) tries out a Herrera Esteli cigar (that’s Willy Herrera in the background creating the cigars!), David Mayer, owner of Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop (right). For the record, Ken said it was a superior cigar.

Below: I found Tiffany Hill and Michael Chew, from B101’s morning show, outside enjoying the gorgeous weather and view of America’s Historic District. From the patio, there’s an unobstructed view of Independence Hall.

Below: Barbara Katz Chobert, Miriam Roher, Michael Chobert, Susan Pincus and Stephanie Pincus. The Choberts told me they were excited to come back to the Constitution Center to see the new exhibit “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition.”

Below: Susan Rafetto, Danielle Rafetto and Matt Jackson. Susan is wearing a dress she bought at the new Bettie Page store on Walnut Street. Pretty sharp. Danielle is wearing a Calvin Klein dress, and Matt’s “vintage” sweater is from Mitchell & Ness.

Below: Mike Jerrick, Fox 29’s Good Day Philly (did you see me on with Mike and Sheinelle Jones yesterday at 9:30 chatting about Justin Bieber and Pat Burrell?), Ray Martin, Hybird Planet Chauffer Service, Kharisma McIlwaine, CW Philly, and Gervase Peterson. Gervase tells me that his cigar lounge, Burnz in Lawnside, is celebrating its one-year mark this weekend with a three-day party. Friday night, Mike and Kharisma are hosting the Philadelphia Pet Support Phashion Charity Affair at the Bellevue.

Below: Congrats to Scott Palmer, who told the audience he was a new grandpop; he did a spectacular job on the live auction. First up was this painting done by a local tattoo artist, of six different Phillies players and Charlie Manuel. It went for $2,500. A dinner with Jose Garces for 13 people, and Ryan Howard, and Jimmy and Johari Rollins in attendance, sold for $6,000. Two tickets to an American Idol show in Hollywood, with dinner, and two nights’ hotel stay, sold for $4,000.

Below: ABC’s Dancing With the Stars stars Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo performed two numbers for the guests. During the live auction, the duo assisted in an auction for two tickets to a Dancing With the Stars event, plus two days accommodation and dinner. It sold for an eye-popping $8,000. Good job for a good cause. and Alec Mazo performed two numbers for the guests.

Below: Maricel Vivas, and Phillies pitcher Vance Worley. Vance, who normally sports a sharp-looking mohawkish cut, is letting his hair and goatee run wild in the off season.

Before I knew it, the night was over. It really was a spectacular event for a great cause. If you’d like to help with the prevention of child abuse, visit the Rollins Family Foundation website. Next year’s theme is “Harlem Nights”—and will be held during the season so more of Jimmy’s Phils teammates can attend. Now that Shane Victorino’s fashion night has been traded to the West Coast, a July date would be great.